Many junior high athletes hope for long careers in the sport they love. After her accomplishments this year on the diamond, Emma Kraemer aspires to continue in high school and in a Division I school

Kraemer was new to Crestwood this year, but it did not take her long to feel at home with the Crestwood softball team.

“I already knew many of the girls from travel ball,” said Kraemer. “I felt like I had been there the whole time.”

Kraemer had several career accomplishments during the softball season including throwing two no-hitters. Her first no-hitter came against Neoga, a feat her father believed no one on the team knew was happening.

“I had to miss the game for work and was watching it on game changer so I could see it happening,” said dad Ryan Kraemer. “I don’t think anyone realized what was going on.”

Kraemer went on to throw a second no hitter against Robinson with both parents watching.

“She amazes me with her ability to go play the game,” said mom Cara Kraemer. “She has an amazing ability to be absolutely focused in any situation.”

Kraemer added she knows that she was not the only reason the team did well.

“I am a contact pitcher,” Kraemer said. “I knew that when the ball was put into play that my defense would be there to back me up and make the plays.”

The Crestwood softball team finished second in the state, and the humble Kraemer knows it was a total team effort.

“Everyone had a role,” said Kraemer. “From each player to every coach. We couldn’t have done it without everyone.”

Kraemer finished her eighth-grade season with remarkable stats. She was 17 – 3 with a 2.12 ERA. She pitched 120 innings striking out 108 and allowing 39 walks. Her WHIP was .958 and her strike percentage was 64.2%. On top of her two no-hitters, she also had three one-hitters.

Kraemer hopes to leave her mark on upcoming athletes.

“I want them to show their love for the game,” said Kraemer. “I want them to play the game the way they love it and remember that anything is possible.”